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Back to 1968 index or Main Index Makan – No. 181 Makan – No. 181 We of the 2/30 Bn. Association are not a large group nor are we greatly influential in the matter of possessions and resources. But we do have a great treasure; and that treasure is the spirit of the Battalion. That esprit-de-corps, born in the training days at Tamworth and Bathurst, sealed in our hearts and minds by the inspiration of our leadership, the contests of War and the sharing of hardships for three and a half years, strongly manifested itself at the Battalion dinner which has just come and gone. About 100 fellows gathered together for the reunion. It turned out to a night of down-to-earth unitedness and cheerful goodwill. Everyone, as the "Old Man" was proud to say, was well turned out. The atmosphere was good and the food and liquor supply, supplemented by an anonymous $10, weighed in by one of the fellows present as the night wore on, was adequate for all needs up until 11 p.m. President Arch, in his usual good form, got things started on the right note and from then on the night advanced without a hitch, due largely to the sound organisation by Bob Jack, ably assisted by Bruce Ford and others. Amongst the apologies were those from our staunch old friend, Grahame Sands, who, although unable to come because of ill-health, sent along the beautiful floral decorations for the head table; Col O'Donnell who, in conveying best wishes to "B.J." and to all of his old mates, concluded by saying "In case one of our members is down in his luck and would like to attend, I enclose $5 donation,"; and "Curly" Heckendorf who also contributed $5 towards the night's success. Three others, who each coughed up their $5 and did not arrive to enjoy their share of food and grog, also enabled us to bust up their measure of substance contributed in bonus drinks for their mates. Thanks, fellows! Honoured guests included Arthur Bottrill, brother-in-law of Brigadier Galleghan, George Gettens, 8th Div. Sig., Jack Dunphy, 8th Div. A.A.S.C., (they are also respectively the Chairman and Hon. Secretary of the 8th Div. Council) and Clive Osborne, M.L.A., State Member for Bathurst and popular President of that city's R.S.L. Sub-Branch and R.S.L. Club. Sammy Hall recited the "Ode to Fallen Comrades" and I had the honour and privilege of proposing the Toast to "The Regiment". Apart from recounting memories of 28 years ago when the Battalion was formed at Tamworth, I broached the subject of support for our South East Asian neighbours in Singapore and Malaya and our need to ensure that Australia does not forfeit the position of trust and confidence it has built up in that area by choosing to follow the British withdrawal from that region in 1971. The "Old Man" in responding, gave us his usual stirring and outspoken address. He has the knack of making us feel conscious of belonging to something finer and bigger than our petty selves, of unifying our thoughts and building up our pride of Unit. He stressed the necessity of infecting the younger generation with the need to meet the fears that confront them and praised the efficiency of the Australian soldier of today - a better trained soldier than his counterpart of yesterday. The Visitor's Toast was ably proposed by Bruce Upcroft and responded to by Clive Osborne and George Gettens. Then followed an informative talk, mainly about Vietnam, by Stuart Peach who, somehow or other, was drawn into the Visitors' responses though he emphatically declaimed he is, despite his other service affiliations, firstly a 2/30 Bn. man and continues to proudly wear the miniature purple and gold insignia on his uniform. Clive Osborne's response was a useful follow-up to the "Old Man". Clive, who is now well known to everyone who was present at the dinner, is a practised and entertaining after-dinner speaker and made it clear by his remarks that our decision to hold the next reunion in Bathurst would be welcomed by the Bathurst people and we can look forward to it being a memorable experience. The new $300,000 building completed this year by the R.S.L. Club there has all the facilities needed to cater for our meeting and dinner requirements and we can count on the support of the Sub-Branch in arrangements for the honouring of departed comrades at the Carillon Cenotaph and at our own Memorial Cairn on the Limekilns Road. During the dinner, handsomely printed toast list and menu cards, which together with the acceptance tickets were a generous donation from Bill Clayton, were passed around for autographs. It was pleasing to see amongst the signatures those of Dick Andrew from Bethungra, Stewart Blow from Berry, Athol Charlesworth from Leura, Paddles Clune from Taree, Shorty Hart from Melbourne, Neil Huntley from Port Macquarie and Wal Scott from Wollongong. After the final toast men wandered around the room, found one another again and talked and talked and talked, occasionally refilling their glasses. As they went out together into the night, bound for home or for some club or other in which to carry on further, they were content. Bob Jack and his stalwarts had done their 1968 job well and will now start organising the 1969 reunion at Bathurst with confidence that it will be the best and biggest reunion ever! LAST POST Mrs. Bottrill, sister of the late Mrs. Galleghan, and her husband, moved from Pymble to Mosman to be with the Old Man following the loss of his wife last year. Mrs. Bottrill, like her sister, was a person of faith and great fortitude. She was well known in Pymble for her musical gifts and was a popular member of the Pymble Women's Bowling Club. She and her husband were a great comfort to the Old Man following the sad loss of his wife. As was said by the Minister at the funeral service at St. Clements Church, Mosman, which was attended by a number of 2/30 Bn. men, "The Brigadier lost his right hand when his wife passed away last year. Now he has lost his left hand". To both Arthur, who is well known to many of us, and to the Old Man, we extend our deepest sympathy in their sad loss. CHRISTMAS PARTY As usual, each guest will receive a handkerchief with an initial worked thereon by Marguerite Jenkins (Mrs. Jenkins was the President of the Comforts Fund during the war years) and a posy of flowers from Mrs. Jenkins' garden. Country members in town for Christmas shopping will be most welcome. Last year's party was a great success. We are certain that this years function too will not have a dull moment. Be in it! Reach for the phone NOW! PERSONAL PARS, GLAD TIDINGS ABOUT THE BOYS The elusive, indestructible, wayfaring Stuart Peach, O.B.E., has migrated back home once again. This time from Vietnam. After a brief spell he is off again to Laos where he has been assigned for another tour of duty with the Australian Legation at, I believe, the express wish of the Laotian Government. Whilst home, the Governor managed to collar him for an investiture of his O.B.E. They had been trying to corral him at Government House for this ceremony since the Queen awarded the gong nearly 12 months ago. The erstwhile Clarence River lad, Tom Davis, D Coy, now hails from Cobar. He recently prised a fiver off his roll and sent it in to keep his subs paid well ahead. He looks forward to Makan because, as he says "2/30 Bn. chaps are scarce out this way". His newsy letter was most welcome and is quoted as follows: "I am the only 2/30th chap in the Cobar district, with Clarrie Taylor (the fastest eater and the loudest laugh in the Unit) at Bourke. I saw Charlie only a few weeks ago, while enjoying a game of bowls at Bourke, also Jack Ellis of Condobolin. Both are well but each is showing more and more grey hairs. I have been in Cobar over 6 years as Superintendent of Cobar District Ambulance (a business I am sure no Digs want included in the Business Register, and quite candidly I do not want their business either!) How much longer we remain here depends on the powers that be. With a 17 year old son doing his Higher School Certificate next year and a 14 year old daughter entering 3rd year, we do not want to leave until the boy at least completes his schooling. Cobar is developing into a busy mining and pastoral town, especially now the Copper Mine has been able to reach target production of 60,000 tons of copper ore a month. It is also expected a new mine will be commenced next year. This will increase the work force and so make the town more important. The present population is about 3,500, an increase of 1,300 people since we came to Cobar 6 years ago. Next year, during the August-September school holidays, the Centenary of the Discovery of Copper in Cobar will be celebrated and it looks as though I will have several jobs to do in its organisation namely organising the Centenary Ball and a 4 day Bowls Tournament. This will be in addition to the jobs that have come my way over the years, i.e., Secretary, R.S.L. Sub-Branch; Secretary, R.S.L. District Council; Vice-President, Services Club; President, Lions Club Vice-President, Chamber of Commerce; Vice-President, Tourist Committee, and Bowls Secretary, Services Club. (That's a lot of unpaid jobs for one bloke, Tom, and I imagine you don't get much time to put your feet up. Glad to hear you are whizzing off to Grafton and the beach for holidays just prior to Christmas. Give our salaams to any of our fellows you meet en route. Ed.) A two year sub. and best wishes from Allan Venn, H.Q. Coy. (Murwillumbah). Both Allan, who is on T.T.I. pension, and his wife have lately been on the sick list. Jock Logan's friendly approach and constructive concern for the welfare of his old 2/30 Bn. mates in Northern N.S.W. and Queensland has unearthed another one for our Association in the person of Les F.S. "Authentic" Smith (D Coy & J Force). Les, whom I last talked to in Grafton when he was buying cattle for Borthwicks about 17 years ago, wrote Jock as follows: "You could have knocked me down with a feather when I received your letter. Yes Jock, I was the "Authentic" you enquired about - from D. Coy. of the old 'Greyhounds'. A considerable quantity of water has run under the Bridge since those days and I've been around a great deal. I am still working for the Borthwicks as I did before the war, having been a clerk, cattle buyer and salesman respectively before reverting to the rank of Senior Clerk at Bowen. I married in 1949 and have four daughters, one of whom is at the Uni. at Brisbane doing an Arts Course. The others are at varying ages and stages of “Beatlemania" back to 'Donald Duck'. I am a little bewildered as to how you obtained my address. Perhaps you are a subscriber to the P.O.W. Assn., and noticed I have joined the Townsville Sub-Branch. I transferred from the Brisbane Branch to Northern Division recently. I am Hon. Secretary of the Local R.S.L. and have been for the past 8 years and know my way around the North as a result. Anyway, nuf said about my own affairs. How long have you been at Palm Beach? You used to live at Quirindi. I was stationed at Grafton for a few years after the War and met up with quite a number of Don Coy boys including Tom Gardiner, Norm Lee, Ossie Jackson, Artie Power, Woodsie and others too numerous to mention. I was in Greenslopes early this year and met a number of chaps at the P.O.W. reunion on Anzac Day; but unfortunately I was too sick to enjoy the company and to make matters worse I was ordered off the last year or so; but now I am given the green light again I give it a good nudge now and again. Jock, I could write pages and pages after all these years. To condense so much to be said into such a small space is beyond me now so I must close, temporarily at least. Thanks for contacting me. I trust you will be able to tell some of our erstwhile friends that I am still alive and breathing." I ran into Harry Wilson (B Coy & J Force) just after the issue of last Makan. Harry is almost a year my senior, which makes him 63 plus. He has lately moved from Collaroy into a flat at Manly. His sister, 15 years his junior, whose three daughters are all married, has a unit in the same block of flats. Harry is a changeless type of chap who, despite the march of time, does not look his age. Graham McLeod (HQ & B Force) has helped to make my job easier by giving us a newsy letter. We are always thankful for letters like this from Graham: 'The Makan arrived today and as usual was read by all the family. Even though they don't know most of the names, they like to read what has happened to the men of the 30th. My wife met Black Jack only once, many years ago, and she admitted that he frightened her. I told her he used to scare me, too. I am sure, looking back, that most of us were a lot more concerned about the old Man that we were about the Nips! I was shocked to read of the death of Norm McCauley. I recall him so well. He used to tell the story of how, before the War, he was trying to sell a line of underwear to a lady shopkeeper who also happened to be an ardent member of the Salvation Army. When he told her the price, she held up her hands in horror and said, 'Glory be.’ Norm said he couldn't resist it, and he held up his hands and said, 'Hallelujah!" I can still see he and Kevin Donohue sitting in the Mess at Batu Pahat on Saturday afternoons (it came to be a ritual with them) steadily drinking their way through numerous bottles of Tiger beer, casually exchanging insults about each other's religion. Apparently, whoever was out insulted had to buy the next bottle. They never seemed to get tired of this game. I admired Mac. He was a good, capable officer and a good bloke. My children are now either grown up or getting that way. My son Paul is in the R.A.A.F. and is an airframe fitter. He is nearly 22, and has just returned from a short trip to Vietnam. He says as far as he can make out, it's a damned dangerous place for a law-abiding citizen. He loves the Air force and doubtless will make it his career. He is big, tough, and very kind-hearted to old ladies and vintage cars. Likes beer. Girls are O.K., but not on a permanent basis. His mother and I despair of any early grandchildren, which we would adore. His sister Vicki is 13½, and is in first year at Woonona High. Previously, she was Captain of her Primary School. She has studied ballet for the past eight-odd years and has masses of trophies she's won at Eisteddfod all over the place. She's dainty and graceful, and has a will of steel. Seems to regard Paul and myself as more or less acceptable but a bit on the crude side. Very methodical, and shows glimmerings of being a mathematician. Pretty set on a ballet career, so the grandchildren seem even further off there. Fortunately, the cat has just had kittens. Business isn't too bad. Health tolerable. Just turned fifty. Hair getting pretty thin. A bit overweight. Really would like grandchildren. Sub enclosed. Regards." Well me, I'm just about run dry for news, so will close wishing you all the best for Christmas and the years ahead. Remember we are always anxious to hear of your doings, so should you feel disposed to drop a note or post card to Bessie Ellis at any time, we'll be tickled pink. Cheers! Ron Stoner. GEMAS DAY - JANUARY 14 There should be no need to remind you of what this day means to us. Make a note to be with us on this very special occasion. Assemble 6.45 p.m. on the G.P.O. steps opposite the Cenotaph. Wreath laying at 7.00 p.m. A MESSAGE FROM THE OLD MAN It is again my privilege and honour to wish all members of the 2/30 Bn, and their families the Compliments of the Season. I hope 1969 brings you a peaceful, happy and prosperous New Year to you all. I want to specially emphasise that the next Reunion in November will be held at Bathurst. I feel we owe to all of those who have passed on a duty to remember them at our own Cairn at Bathurst Camp. I do hope all members of the Bn, will do their best to be present at this special Reunion. I pay a special tribute at this time to the President and Committee of our Association and on your behalf extend to them our grateful thanks for a job well done. Good luck and God bless you. The Old Man. A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I send sincere greetings to all members of our old Battalion and their families. May you have a happy Christmas together and may good health and happiness be yours throughout the coming year. Arch Thorburn. BUSINESS REGISTER 2/30 Bn. Businessmen for 2/30 Bn. Clients (Members are invited to send particulars of their businesses for inclusion in this Business Register) WORKER'S COMPENSATION CONSULTANT L.G. Hall, Newport USED CAR DEALER Graham McLeod, Wollongong. 2500. EXTRACT FROM CHANGI DIARY 6th APRIL 1945 Camp Gardens: Crop for March was 38½ tons; an increase of 18 tons. Average number employed daily - 1,593. Highest number employed on any one day - 1,773. An improvement in the yield in leaf vegetables was due to the excellent weather conditions and to the increase in the urine and compost delivered to the gardens under the new collection scheme. The root harvest has not come up to expectations owing to disease, the poorness of the soil and the lack of artificial manures. The following is the detail of urine deliveries over the month: To Camp Gardens - 29,970
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